Barnet marathon runners raise money for Kisharon

Determined athletes from Barnet raised money for a Jewish charity as they pounded the streets of London in on one of running’s biggest challenges.

Aviva Braunold, Brian Gordon and Michael Jaeger crossed the finish line of this year’s Virgin London Marathon knowing they had helped raise more than £18,000 for Kisharon, which supports people with learning difficulties and their families.

Ms Braunold, an adult day services manager at the charity, waited eight years before taking on her second London marathon.

She completed the 26.2 mile race in a leisurely six hours and twenty six minutes and raised a total of £4,000.

The 32-year-old said: “My motivation was purely for the cash - I want to raise as much as possible because the financial packages we receive from local authorities do not cover the cost of the support services we provide for people with learning difficulties.

“I was determined to reach the end. The crowds were really good and my friends were texting me along the way, and came to meet me at the finish. It was amazing but I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s support.”

Kisharon’s fastest runner was Brian Gordon, from Edgware, who finished in four hours and three minutes.

The 42-year-old said: “I kept up a good pace for the first 14 miles then fatigue and cramp set in, so my second half was slower. I’m planning to have a week’s rest then I’m going back to coaching my running group. ”

Mr Gordon raised £3,000 which will be split between Kisharon and Myeloma UK.

The other Kisharon runners were patent attorney Michael Jaeger, 40, of Edgware, who completed the course in four hours 30 minutes.

The £8,000 he raised will be split 70/30 between Kisharon and Jewish Genetic Disorders UK.

Diamond merchant Matt Bick, 33, who is also the chair of Ner Yisrael shul in Borehamwood, ran finished in four hours 52 minutes.

Another runner, Shimon Lev, was unable to cross the finish line due to injury.